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The Open Heart Forgives

The Open Heart Forgives. Why Forgiveness is Important. Killer of Zeal or passion Sin Kills Growth Passion Failure to forgive prayers unanswered negativity / bitterness withdrawal from work/worship Physical illness induced by stress. Why Forgiveness is Important.

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The Open Heart Forgives

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  1. The Open Heart Forgives

  2. Why Forgiveness is Important Killer of Zeal or passion • Sin Kills • Growth • Passion • Failure to forgive • prayers unanswered • negativity / bitterness • withdrawal from work/worship • Physical illness induced by stress

  3. Why Forgiveness is Important …If you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your father in heaven may also forgive you… • Mark 11:25-26 • Matthew 6:14-15 • Luke 6:37 But if you do not forgive men… neither will your Father forgive your trespasses Judge not and you shall not be judged…Forgive and you will be forgiven

  4. The True Servant Forgives • Matthew 8:21-35 • Great debt = mercy • Miniscule debt =no mercy • He is condemned to prison for life • True servant forgives • Because he has been forgiven • He has seen the mercy of God • He is a sinner

  5. Be Ready to Forgive • This is not the same as forgiving • Luke 23:34 • Acts 7:60 • Christ’s prayer not answered until Acts 2 Father, forgive them for they know not what they do Lord do not charge them with this sin …you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified and put to death…they were cut to the heart and said unto Peter…”men and brethren what shall we do?”

  6. Be Ready to Forgive I will forgive their iniquity and their sin I will remember no more Jeremiah 31:34 • Neither is it the same as forgetting • The phrase “forgive and forget” as many use it, is never found in the Bible, though forgetfulness may occur as a result of forgiveness. • This passage does not mean God is forgetful, but that he has committed to treating the sin as if He didn’t remember • We ought to do the same – don’t bring it up, don’t let it breach the relationship

  7. Ready to Forgive • Being ready is a struggle – the temptation is to feed on the anger, but whether the sin is repented of or not, we must pull the daggers from our back if we want our passion restored. • Notice Christ’s words in Luke 17:3-4 If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times…returns saying, “I repent,” you shall forgive him.

  8. Ready to Forgive • Bitterness, anguish and grief does not instantly disappear even if the sin is repented of • I may remember that sin seven times or many more times a day, but each time it must be approached the same way – “I am ready to forgive” • You must remember, as well, that forgetting does equate to forgiveness if the sinner does not repent.

  9. Ready to Forgive • Implies: • Knowledge of the sin • Love toward the sinner • Willingness to act • Putting pride aside • Fostering closeness in my relationships • Overcoming fear

  10. How Do I Do It? Love will cover a Multitude of Sins 1 Peter 4:8 • Honestly question yourself • Have I sinned? • Against whom have I sinned? • Who has sinned against me and am I ready to forgive? • Have I initiated the process? • Do I love forgiveness?

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